Today we honor one of
our own.He was born on July the 10th,
1929, grew up in DallasVillage, a cotton mill community in northeast Huntsville, and his name
is: ZOLLIE “BUDDY” CURRY.

He graduated from RisonHigh
School in 1947.His greatest interests while at Rison were probably music and
drama.He had many classmate friends
who, when remembering Buddy, talked about what a good time they had, that he
was lots of fun, and that everybody loved him.One of his friends said that some of the kids would slip into the
auditorium and Buddy would play the Boogie Woogie while they Jitterbugged and
had the best time - - that is until Mr. Fain came in and ran them out!

Buddy served two
years in the army and worked 18 years for a local company that made solid and
liquid propellants.

He then decided to
take another road:teaching.

Well, just who is
Buddy Curry?Buddy is made up of many
parts:

First and foremost,
he’s a Christian, having
served his church, Jackson Way Baptist, for many years. In 1999, Jackson Way honored
Buddy in their Happy Hearts publication, highlighting his career and how his
feet are constantly on the move.All
that he does in life is guided by his Christian principles.

Secondly, he’s an
educator, having taught in
city schools for years.While he taught
the three R’s, he also taught life lessons.It’s often been said, “Mr. Curry is my favorite teacher.”Do you think that the students were talking
about the 3R’s?I doubt it.

Thirdly, he’s a
musician, a pianist who, when
asked if he remembers a particular song might say:“Oh yes, I remember it; I think that I have
it in my file.Would you like a
copy?”He’s always ready to play for
anyone at most any time.

Fourthly, he’s a
mentor and role model, roles that
seem to come easily.His home is always
open to anyone, particularly young people. I haven’t checked, but I wouldn’t be surprised
if there’s a sign on Buddy’s door that says, “DO DISTURB, DOOR NOT LOCKED, COME
ON IN.”The kids come to eat, or watch
TV or a video, or listen to music, or go with him to water ski, or hang out, or
all of those things.All who enter his
home feel welcomed - and safe - and, most importantly, accepted.And can you believe that Buddy still water
skis?H’mmm.

Fifthly, he’s a
volunteer:For 28 years, he’s been an active participant
in planning our annual reunions that have been held here at Jackson Way
Baptist.He does whatever he’s asked to
do and especially creatively decorates the fellowship hall in preparation for
the reunions.His comment always is,
“Just tell me what you want me to do.”

He
works with the AdultLearningCenter,
inspiring adults to take another chance to get a high school diploma and who,
without his encouragement, might not have made it.One of Buddy’s students at the learning
center wrote a testimonial honoring Buddy’s two-month commitment to him that
allowed him to successfully pass the GED test.This 17 year old student said that passing the test gave him a
confidence that he had never had before.When one looks at this accomplishment, one must look at the effect this
one event could ultimately have on, not only this student, but this student’s
succeeding generations.Powerful!

AND, finally,

He’s a friend -- to young and old, equally interested in them and willing
to listen and help.I think that he must
be somewhat like - was it Will Rogers who said, “I never met a man I didn’t
like?”

Thank you Buddy Curry
for the influence that you have had on many, many lives and for your tireless
efforts in this community.“Well done
thou good and faithful servant.”